II SHAHEER SHEIKH II Shwetambar Dhari ARJUNA AT#37 - Page 100

Arjun's nameless fear
------------------------------
Arjun was fighting the combined force of Trigartas and Samshaptakas all day. By evening, he had destroyed a great many of the force that challenged him in the morning. When the sun set for the day, Arjun asked Shri Krishna to turn back. As they were riding back, a sudden bout of worry and anxiety struck Arjun. He said to Krishna, "O Keshav, I am suddenly getting a lot of feeling of misgivings. My heart is beating faster. A nameless fear is ceasing me. I am feeling dreadful all over. My speech is faltering and words are stuck in my mouth. Has some calamity happened? May all be well with the king, my venerable superior, and his followers."

Krishna replied, "O Parth, this feeling you are getting is probably because of the countless number of warriors and soldiers slaughtered by you and your followers in the war. Do not give way to evil thoughts. Probably a trivial calamity has taken place." These words did not pacify Arjun but he did not reply back. During the entire trot back, he was quiet and uneasy. He could not understand the reason. He thought of Drona and his vow to capture Yudhishthir. Surely the acharya had not succeeded! They reached their camp within an hour.

But as they reached the camp, there was an eerie silence all around. An anxious Arjun asked, "O Janardana, I do not hear the auspicious sounds of drums and other instruments signifying our success. The bards and minstrels are not singing songs describing our victories. Everyone is turning their faces away when they see me. No one has come forward to salute me in the usual way. O Madhav, is everything well with my brothers? Seeing these men so obviously distressed, my mind is disturbed. Is Drupad well? Has the Virat ruler encountered a calamity? O you of un-deteriorating glory, what has happened to our warriors?"

Krishna did not reply. Arjun kept on the questions, "Why does young Abhimanyu not come and greet me as he does daily evening? Has anything happened to him?" He stopped and asked some soldiers. Initially the soldiers did not reply but one of them said that Drona had constructed the Chakravyuha that day. Arjun began to fear the worst. He knew that on this battlefield, besides Krishna and himself, only Abhimanyu knew how to break into the formation. But his son did not know how to break out.

The Cruel Truth
----------------------
Arriving at the royal tent, Arjun dismounted and went in with Krishna by his side. As he entered, he saw his brothers sitting with downcast faces. No one said anything as Arjun walked in. They could not hold his gaze and shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Then Arjun saw his son's empty seat. His heart stopped. He approached Yudhishthir and bowed at his feet. Standing, he looked into his brother's downcast face. "O King, you are pale. I also see that Abhimanyu is not here, nor does anyone welcome me. I heard that today the Kauravas formed the Chakravyuha. Save and except Abhimanyu, no one could have penetrated that formation in my absence, but he did not know how to get out of it. Did you ask my son to enter that terrible arrangement? Has that fierce bowman, that slayer of hostile heroes, after breaking into the enemy ranks and killing thousands, gone himself to Death's mansion?"

Arjun began to cry. Falling to his knees, he cried out to Yudhishthir in a piteous voice. "Tell me how he fell, he who possessed mighty arms and red eyes, who was born into our race like a lion born on a mountainside and who resembled Indra himself. How was he slain in battle?" Arjun saw tears in Yudhishthir's eyes. His own eyes flooded as he realized what he had feared most was true. Yudhishthir's silence confirmed it. Taking a deep breath, Arjun fought to control his mind. His head fell to his knees and he sobbed. After a few minutes, he looked up and continued in a broken voice. "What foolish warriors, urged on by evil destiny, ventured to slay my son? How has that youth, who resembled the high-souled Krishna Himself in prowess, generosity and Vedic knowledge, been killed? If I do not see that hero, who is my second self, Keshav's favourite, and so dearly loved by Krishna's sister, then I too will become a guest in Yamaraja's abode. If I cannot behold him, that modest boy of gentle speech and kind deeds, with curling dark locks, eyes like a young gazelle, the tread of a furious elephant, and shoulders like a mighty lion, then I will leave at once for Death's limitless domain."

Krishna stood by Arjun's side and placed an arm around his shoulders. The Pandava grieved loudly for some time, describing his son's many qualities. His brothers and allies sat in silence, their hearts riven by grief as he continued.

"Although younger, that boy was my superior. He was virtuous, grateful, obedient to his elders, and always desirous of doing us good. Self-controlled and sinless, he pursued only the path of piety and truth. He was faithful and devoted to serving God in all his acts. In battle he would never strike first, nor would he attack a helpless foe. He was the terror of his enemies and the shelter of his friends. How has such a boy been slain?"

Arjun fell to the ground, repeatedly crying out his son's name. Composing himself with difficulty, he said, "Today my son lies on the bare earth like one forlorn, although he was always attended by the most beautiful women. He who was formerly attended by servants and bards chanting his glories is now attended by jackals and vultures. His face, which was worthy of being shaded by royal umbrellas, is now shaded by dust and dirt. Alas! How unfortunate I am to lose you, and how fortunate are the gods to gain you. Surely Yamaraja, Indra, Kuber and Varun, after receiving you as a welcome guest, are now making preparations for your worship."

Arjun looked up at Yudhishthir, who looked back at his brother with compassion. His eyes bloodshot and his face streaked with tears, Arjun asked, "Please tell me, O best of men, has my son gone to heaven? Did he have to contend single-handedly with numerous heroes and give up his life after killing them by the thousands? Surely he would have thought of me. Afflicted by the mean-minded Duryodhan, and by Drona, Karna, Kripa and others, he must have thought, 'My father will rescue me.' I think all those ruthless warriors felled him while he was calling out to me. Or it may be, as he was conceived in the womb of a Vrishni princess, that he did not make such exclamations."

The Explanation
------------------------
Arjun censured himself. How had he allowed himself to be taken away from the main fight? Obviously Duryodhan had concocted a plan that required his absence. Why had he not seen it? If he had, Abhimanyu would still be alive. Without thinking about his kinsmen's welfare, he had rushed off desiring glory in battle. Now his son was dead.

Arjun cried out, "Without doubt, my heart is made of stone that it does not shatter into fragments. It will surely break apart when I hear the lamentations of Subhadra and Draupadi. What will I say to those gentle ladies? How can I tell them that Abhimanyu now embraces the cold ground, weltering in his own blood? What indeed will I say to Uttara, his chaste and beautiful wife? The Kauravas may rejoice only for as long as I do not return to the field. For slaying my son they will have to grieve as I do now."

Arjun turned to Krishna. "Why did You not tell me what was happening today, O Madhav? Surely then I would have burnt the cruel Kauravas immediately. How could they aim their deadly shafts at such a tender boy, attacking him when I was absent? I do not think he found any protector while among those vicious men. How could You allow this, O Krishna?"

Krishna comforted his friend with sober words. "Do not give way to grief. This is the inevitable end of heroes who never think of retreating. Those who know the Vedas have said that this is the highest and most desirable goal for a kshatriya who knows his duty. Heroes always covet such an end. There is no better death for a warrior than to fall in battle while facing the enemy. Undoubtedly Abhimanyu has gone to regions only reached by the most pious men. Do not lament, for you are plunging your brothers and followers in sorrow. You know everything and it behooves you to console your kinsmen at this time. Take hold of yourself and throw off this grief."

Arjun turned slowly to Yudhishthir. "O lord of the earth, tell me exactly how my lotus-eyed son was slain." His voice had become cold. His grief was giving way to an intense fury. "How did he fight our wicked foes? I will consume all of them with their elephants, chariots and horses. Why, O brother, did you not do so yourself? How was my son slain when you, Bheem, the twins, and so many other heroes were present? Surely you all possess no prowess. Before your eyes my son was killed."

Arjun gazed at his son's empty seat. What was the use in blaming anyone for Abhimanyu's death? Destiny had willed it, as it willed the death of every living creature. Yet still it was hard not to see how things might have been different. Why had he not been by Abhimanyu's side when he needed him most? Arjun shook his head as he continued. "I should rather blame myself. Knowing you all to be cowards, I went away. Alas, are your weapons and armour mere decorations? Are your bold words meant only to impress an assembly? All of you together could not protect my son."

No one spoke as Arjun strode over to his seat, his long sword swinging by his side, the Gandiv in his hand. His eyes blazed and hot tears ran down his cheeks. He sighed repeatedly. No one dared to look at him. Only Yudhishthir and Krishna, who were always agreeable to Arjun, were able to say anything. After a few moments Yudhishthir said, "O mighty-armed one, when you had gone to fight the Samshaptakas, Drona exerted himself to capture me. He formed the unbreakable chakravyuha and advanced toward us, showering his fire-like shafts in all directions. At that time, I asked your son to penetrate the formation and allow us all to enter. Without delay the boy rushed forward and entered the array like Garuda entering the ocean. We followed him with upraised weapons, but somehow the puny Sindhu ruler held us in check. We have since heard from Sage Vyas that Jayadrath received a boon from Mahadev that he would be able to stop us in battle. Your son was alone in the formation. Six Kaurava maharathis surrounded him. They destroyed his chariot, armour and weapons. Worn with fatigue, he was finally slain by a seventh, Dushasan's son."

The Vow
------------
Arjun wailed. Yudhishthir paused, then went on. "Before dying, he slew countless heroes, many of them kings and maharathis. Now he has ascended to heaven. Through the inscrutable workings of fate, he has attained his destined end. Thus we have all been plunged into a burning grief."

Crying out, "O my son!" Arjun rolled on the ground. Everyone gazed at each other with vacant eyes. They said nothing as Arjun expressed his grief. Gradually, he composed himself and got to his feet. Shivering as if with fever and wringing his hands, he spoke in a low, controlled voice that seethed with rage. "I say this truly: tomorrow I will slay Jayadrath, if indeed he does not forsake Duryodhan in fear of his life. If he stays in the battle and does not seek shelter of either Krishna or yourself, O King, he will die tomorrow. Whoever tries to protect him--be it Drona, Kripa or anyone else--will find himself struck down by my arrows. That Sindhu ruler caused my son's death. For this act of violence toward Abhimanyu and I, he will die."

Arjun felt all his anger directed toward Jayadrath, who had already shown himself to be a despicable wretch when he had assaulted Draupadi. This time he would not escape. Although Abhimanyu was assailed by six Kaurava warriors at once and finally slain by Durjaya, it was Jayadrath who was to blame. Many times warriors found themselves overwhelmed by superior odds, but their allies and supporters could always come to their rescue. Abhimanyu would surely have been saved if the Pandavas had been able to reach him. Jayadrath's act was mean and unforgivable. Arjun clasped his Gandiv tightly. Soon that low-minded Sindhu ruler would reap the result of his hatred for the Pandavas.

Looking around at his brothers and allies, Arjun went on. "If I do not kill that wretch tomorrow, then may I never attain the regions meant for the righteous. Let me instead go to the hell reached by those who ravish their own mothers, or those who are malicious, ungrateful or miserly. Let me reach the dark worlds inhabited by rapists, slayers of Brahmins, betrayers of trust, men who seduce other's wives, who are unkind to guests, and who deceive and cheat others. If I do not kill Jayadrath tomorrow, then such will be my end."

Arjun's voice seemed to shake the earth. "Now listen to one more vow I will make. If I do not slay Jayadrath by sunset tomorrow, I will enter blazing fire. Neither the celestials, Asuras, mortals, winged creatures, Rakshasas, rishis, nor any other moving or unmoving creature will prevent me from achieving my aim. If Jayadrath enters the nether regions or somehow ascends to heaven, I will still find him and sever his head from his body. When this night passes away, Abhimanyu's enemy will see me as his death personified wherever he goes."

After solemnly speaking these words, Arjun violently twanged his bowstring, producing sounds that reached the heavens. At the same time, Krishna, also excited with rage, blew His conch shell, creating a sound that seemed to make the universe vibrate.

As word of Arjun's vow got round the camp, the sounds of numerous drums and other instruments could be heard, along with the fierce cries of many warriors. The whole camp was filled with a joyous uproar. Surely the next day the Kauravas would face their worst calamity so far. The enraged Arjun was a foe to be feared indeed.

Source : Link

Krishna's Prayer
-------------------
When Krishna returned to his tent, he could not sleep for quite some time. He was restless and constant thought of Arjun's reckless vow worried him. Around midnight, he called Daruka, his trusted charioteer to his tent and said to him, "Dear Daruka, I am fearful for the first time during this war. Arjun has undertaken an extremely difficult vow to complete. I cannot bear the thought of losing my beloved Arjun. I must protect him anyhow."

Daruka bowed and continued to listen. Krishna said, "Please prepare my own chariot for the war. Place all my weapons on it. Anytime tomorrow, when you hear the Rishabha tone (second note of 'Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa-Dha-Ni-Sa') on my conch Panchjanya, rush to me immediately." Daruka bowed again and said, "It shall be done as you bid, my Lord. I will do all to help Arjun succeed."

Meanwhile Arjun was asleep in his chamber. In his dream, he dreamt of Krishna. He approached Krishna.

----- The Dream -----

Krishna asked, "What troubles you, O Arjun?"

Arjun replied, "O Madhav, when you describe the way Drona intends to protect Jayadrath, how will I be able to slay Jayadrath and keep my vow? I cannot spare him and nor can I live if I don't kill him."

Krishna replied, "O Arjun, In the past Lord Maheshwara used the powerful Pashupata weapon to destroy all the demons. You already possess this weapon. We must now meditate on Lord Shiva and request his permission to use the weapon. If he grants you the usage of the weapon, you will surely overpower Jayadrath."

In the state of meditation, Arjun saw himself rising upwards with Krishna. Crossing vast distances, they sped past like arrows released from a bow. Soon they beheld a glowing mountain, radiant like the sun. On the peak, was seated Lord Maheshwara (Shiva) with his consort Goddess Parvati. Krishna and Arjun bowed with reverence to the deity and began to pray to him. Lord Shiva was pleased and said, "I will grant you your desire." He pointed to the lake Mansarovar nearby and said, "Fetch me the bow and arrow from the celestial lake yonder."

As suggested by Lord Shiva, Krishna and Arjun rescued the bow and arrow which were disguised as ferocious serpents. Arjun learnt the mantra of using the Pashupata astra from Lord Shiva himself. Thus armed with the great weapon, the two heroes returned to the camp, elated and happy.

----- End of Dream -----

Early Morning Next Day
-------------------------
Early next morning, Yudhishthir rose from his bed, awoken by bards and minstrels singing. Having bathed and dressed, the king faced east and worshipped Krishna with Vedic prayers, his heart absorbed in love. After this he went before the sacred fire and made offerings to Vishnu and the Gods, invoking auspiciousness and praying for victory in battle. Then he entered the council chamber. As the kings took their places in Yudhishthir's council chamber after first bowing before him, a guard informed him that Krishna had arrived. Yudhishthir ordered that He be shown in immediately and offered a fine seat by his side. He personally stepped down from his throne as Krishna entered and showed Him to His seat.Krishna waved to Satyaki to sit with Him, and the two Yadavas shared the same large throne next to Yudhishthir.

When he had again taken his seat, Yudhishthir began by addressing Krishna. "O Madhusudan, have You passed the night in happiness? Like celestials relying on the thousand-eyed Indra, we depend on You alone for victory and indeed for eternal happiness. Our very existence depends upon You. If it pleases You, therefore, we ask that You somehow manage things so that Arjun's vow is fulfilled. Help us to cross this ocean of grief and wrath. O Madhav, become our raft so that we do not sink in the vast Kuru sea. All glories to You, O Krishna, O Vishnu, O Hari, O Janardana. You are the foremost of all men. Narad has pronounced You to be the best and most ancient of all beings. You always protect Your surrendered servants, and we seek Your protection today."

Krishna appeared pleased as Yudhishthir stopped speaking. He replied in a sonorous voice, "In all the worlds, including the heavens, there is no archer like Arjun. That handsome hero will slay all your enemies. I will drive his chariot and will do everything in My power to assist him. Today you will see Jayadrath compelled to travel that road from which no traveller ever returns. Vultures, hawks and jackals will feast on his flesh tonight. O Yudhishthir, even if Indra and the Gods come to his aid, he will still be delivered to Death's domain. Tonight, the victorious Arjun will report to you that he has slain the Sindhu monarch. Dismiss your grief and be attended with prosperity, O King."

As Krishna spoke, Arjun entered the assembly. He came and bowed before Yudhishthir, who immediately stood to embrace him. Still holding his brother, Yudhishthir said, "It is evident, O Dhananjaya, that you will have a great victory today. Your appearance at this moment portends it, as does Krishna's infallible blessing."

Arjun touched his brother's feet and went over to Krishna, bowing low with folded palms. He then took his seat and the Pandavas discussed the day's strategy. They had heard from their spies of Drona's plans to create a formation surrounding Jayadrath, protected at every point by the foremost warriors. Deciding upon a suitable counter-array, the Pandavas got up and went out for the battle.

Originally posted by: FollowYourHeart

today only i watched Abhimanyu Vadh of old MB, it was cruel and heart breaking, seven extraordinary warriors surrounded a young kid and killed him and killed him and killed him and went on killing him till his very last breathe, they didn't even stop attacking once they knew for sure that this was it, it was no saving him now, they were ruthless and barbaric and as if the brutality wasn't enough, once he was gone they did a victory dance around his corpse. it was horrendous, earth shattering, I didn't even like the actor who played Abhimanyu there but still I couldn't stop my tears... What would happen when this unfated day would be shown in the current MB?...I wld surely die coz i am madly in love with this beautiful boy who is playing Abhi and more importantly I am absolutely in love with Paarth...just imagining his grief, his horror, his trauma is giving me shudders, I hope they show Paanchali's break down too, coz he is her aankh ka kajal, she might not have given him birth but none the less he is yajaseni's santan